Deep Packet Concerns By Rich

Rich Tehrani has some concerns about Deep Packet inspection and how service provider are or may be operating.

My take on this is that the operators are missing the boat. Instead of using the data they gather to shut people off, they should be using the information to better market services to those who need it.

Imagine this call from customer service.

Rep-Hi Mr. Abramson, I'm Sally from your cable company. Our analysis of your cable modem use shows that you really like to use SightSpeed a lot for video chats from your home. We'd like to make your experience even better. For just $2.00 a month, everytime you have a SightSpeed Video call we'll optimize your session over our network so the video call goes over our priority path for both upstream and downstream data. That means when you're in a call your data goes out first, that we keep the traffic on our network as much as possible and make sure that our other partners keep the session on the highest levels of service available. Think of it as the high speed lane on the freeway.

Me: That sounds interesting. What about when I'm watching videos on You Tube.

Rep: Well for that, we can also optimize your downstream from Google. We can charge you either a monthly fee of $1.00 or two cents for each YouTube video you watch. The same would apply for Joost or any other video content site you choose. As a matter of fact, if you opt into the Sending Party Pays program, you can get the high speed delivery option for that, and the content provider carries the cost of the better service because they can charge an advertiser, just like cable TV is paid for.

Me: What do I need to do?

Rep: Not much. Just say, yes to the additional service fee per application or buy our bundle that lets you place and receive SightSpeed, Skype, Gizmo, Yahoo and AIM audio and video calls at our Priority Path rate and you'll be all set. That price is $5.95 a month, and if you're not completely satisfied we'll refund your money for any month you tell us.

Unfortunately, instead of seeing the opportunity, the MSO's and ISPs are looking at this from a network security and capacity perspective. As someone who is willing to always pay for less hassle (i.e. I join Airline Club programs, have a Clear Card, am IRIS'd in the UK, pay for a membership in the Hertz President's Club, etc.) paying for quality of service and to be separated from the pack is something I'll always consider if it allows things to be better.

Comments

[Johnny Nemo]

I am horrified and disgusted that you think such intrusiveness is a good thing, but I understand that you argue only from what is good for the business, and not what is good for the customer, citizen, or individual. Of COURSE corporations would like to track everything everyone does all the time forever with no restrictions or accountability; the death of privacy is something they applaud, but is something that threatens democracy and freedom itself.

But I do not want to receive a call from my phone company saying, "We notice you've been calling your aunt in Argentina a lot. Are you aware of our great deals on airfares to South America?" Or how about, "We see from your emails to your pal Joe that your sex life with your wife is unsatisfactory. We have a sale on Viagra; here's a coupon for your local escort agency; and divorce attorneys in your area are very reasonable."

Most people hate all telemarketing calls. Why would it be a good thing to subject ourselves to more of them?

You are a bad person.